Fiscal Responsibility

Democrats have led the fight to restore fiscal responsibility. President George W. Bush and Congressional Republicans left a record of fiscal recklessness that turned historic budget surpluses into massive deficits by borrowing trillions of dollars to finance two wars while enacting huge tax cuts aimed at the wealthy. Deficits and debt are a serious long term problem that will require tough choices in the years ahead. As Democrats work first to invest in economic recovery and job creation, we are also working to put our country back on a path to a sustainable fiscal outlook.

Unfortunately, House Republicans have repeatedly held our economy hostage to their ideological agenda, whether creating artificial “fiscal cliffs,” shutting down the government, or bringing our nation to the brink of defaulting on its obligations.

Democrats are committed to reducing the deficit in a responsible way. Both parties must work together to strengthen our entitlements; help support job creation; and protect the middle class, seniors and the most vulnerable. To restore our country’s fiscal sustainability, we must adopt a balanced approach that includes both responsible spending cuts and increased revenues. When Democrats controlled Congress, we restored the pay-as-you-go law, which requires Congress to find a dollar of savings for every dollar it spends, and which and helped create budget surpluses under President Clinton.

The Trump White House must not remember how the last shut down played out. With just four days in session before the April 28 deadline, reports indicate the White House and some Republicans are ready to shut down the government in order to fund their border wall. A look at some recent polling shows just how unpopular that would be with the American people:

April 12th marks 100 days of the GOP-controlled 115th Congress. Republicans are the governing party, with majorities in both the House and Senate and control of the White House. Yet their deep division and dysfunction has resulted in chaos, incompetence, and the inability to govern.

This week, the GOP-led House completed a six-week work period, and I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans’ dysfunction prevented the House from getting things done for the American people during that time.

Following the collapse of Republicans’ TrumpCare bill, Democrats stand ready to work with Republicans to improve the Affordable Care Act and ensure access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.